SANDF Chief cleared of wrongdoing after controversial trip to Iran

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has cleared its chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, of any wrongdoing following his recent controversial trip to Iran. 

Maphwanya had faced scrutiny for suggesting common goals between South Africa and Iran, and for criticising Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict.

This controversy arose against a backdrop of existing strain in South Africa's relationship with the US.

The US has sought clarification from South Africa regarding Maphwanya's visit. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that issues were discussed during a Tuesday evening call between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

However, it was not clear if the Iran visit was discussed.

The Department of Defence, through its spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, issued a statement clarifying that General Maphwanya's official visit to Iran was a long-scheduled engagement, initially planned for 2024 but postponed to 2025.

The visit received prior authorisation from the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

“Upon his return, General Maphwanya provided a comprehensive report to the minister, addressing the public interest surrounding his trip,” Dlamini said.

The department stated that Maphwanya engaged in bilateral discussions with Iranian officials on matters of mutual interest. 

While the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, issued a statement on the discussions, General Maphwanya reported that he did not speak to media houses in either Iran or South Africa, respecting the confidentiality of the discussions.

“The minister was satisfied with the general’s report in their engagement on the visit. The Department of Defence will not be commenting further on the matter,” Dlamini said.

A source within the department, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that General Maphwanya has been cleared. 

The source suggested that the controversy surrounding the Iran trip was largely fuelled by detractors within the department, who were aware of the general's impending retirement.

The Department of Defence had previously maintained that matters of South Africa's foreign policy and international relations are the sole prerogative of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). 

DIRCO had also weighed in, distancing itself from the SANDF chief’s visit.

The DA had asked the SANDF to act against Maphwanya's remarks, saying that they went beyond military-to-military discussions and entered the realm of foreign policy, calling his remarks reckless and grandstanding.

“The DA is outraged that the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, used an official visit to Tehran this week to engage in blatant political diplomacy far outside his constitutional and professional mandate… this reckless grandstanding comes at a time when South Africa’s relations with key democratic partners, especially the United States, are already under severe strain,” the DA’s Chris Hattingh had said.

Meanwhile, the EFF has rejected the US' interference in South Africa's relations with Iran. 

In a statement, the Red Berets stated that South Africa is an independent nation and reserves the right to pursue trade, economic, diplomatic, and military relations with whomever it deems fit, including Iran.

“The EFF notes the recent reports that the United States government has expressed ‘great concern’ and is demanding clarity from South Africa regarding the visit by Maphwanya to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“We reject, with contempt, this arrogant posture by the United States, which presumes that South Africa owes it an explanation for its sovereign diplomatic and military engagements. 

“Equally, we are appalled by our government’s interference with the work of the military – this is a conduct unbecoming of a constitutional state,” the party said.

Cape Times